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The Pipeline - January 5, 2010

January 5, 2010, 5:05 AM ET [ Comments]
Richard Cloutier
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Edmonton Oilers have started the process of becoming sellers, working towards a rebuild of their team for future seasons. As reported by Eklund, two teams the Oilers are speaking to are the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers.

The name floating around from Dallas as being available is Fabian Brunnstrom. Dallas is making a push for the playoffs - They are definite BUYERS at this time, and they have an interest in acquiring a defenseman from Edmonton. Two names being dropped as possibly being moved are Denis Grebeshkov or Sheldon Souray.

Brunnstrom has been a bust in Dallas this season, only having seven points in 23 games. He clearly has offensive potiential, and would bring youth and skill to an Oilers team wanting to acquire both. It wouldn't be a Brunnstrom for Souray or Grebeshkov deal straight across - The Oilers would want a draft pick in 2010 as well. The Stars have cap room to make this trade happen, and moving a contract the size of Souray's would give the Oilers some cash-room going into next season.

In respect to the New York Rangers, one name still making the rounds is Brandon Dubinsky. However, a new name has entered into the discussion: Marc Staal. Staal is set to become an RFA in the off-season, and his needed contract would place the Rangers in the position of great salary cap difficulty. Andrew Cogliano has been mentioned as a player perhaps going to New York, but Patrick O'Sullivan's name is now also coming into the conversation. A third name, Taylor Chorney, is being mentioned as a possible inclusion in a multi-player deal.

This is the beginning of a period of intense trade rumors involving the Oilers and teams who are buyers going into the playoff race. With the pressure being off of team management to make the playoffs this season, it is possible that a half-dozen moves will be made before the trade deadline occurs, whereas the Oilers will offer age and experience to obtain youth, talent and potential. Sights have been set to acquiring a top 3 pick at the 2010 NHL entry draft, so there is no incentive for the Oilers to finish higher in the standings.

In particular the Brunnstrom rumor makes sense as his acquisition could assist the Oilers in luring Swedish players in their system including Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Anton Lander and Linus Omark.

What do Oilers fans think? Is it time to do a sell-off of the experienced players to load the Oilers with youth and potential? And which players should the Oilers target?
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